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J Heinrich

Publications and source records attributed to J Heinrich.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Increased asthma medication use in association with ambient fine and ultrafine particles.

The association between particulate air pollution and asthma medication use and symptoms was assessed in a panel study of 53 adult asthmatics in Erfurt, Germany in winter 1996/1997. Number concentrations of ultrafine particles, 0.01-0.1 microm in diameter (NC(0.01-0.1), mean 17,300 x cm(-3), and mass concentrations of fine particles 0.01-2.5 microm in diameter (MC(0.01-2.5)), mean 30.3 microg x m(-3), were measured concurrently. They were not highly correlated (r=0.45). The associations between ambient particle concentrations and the prevalence of inhaled beta2-agonist, corticosteroid use and asthma symptoms, were analysed separately with logistic regression models, adjusting for trend, temperature, weekend, holidays, and first order autocorrelation of the error. Cumulative exposures over 14 days of ultrafine and fine particles were associated with corticosteroid use. Beta2-agonist use was associated with 5-day mean NC(0.01-0.1) and MC(0.01-2.5). The prevalence of asthma symptoms was associated with ambient particle concentrations. The results suggest that reported asthma medication use and symptoms increase in association with particulate air pollution and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed2002

Allergens and endotoxin on mothers' mattresses and total immunoglobulin E in cord blood of neonates.

The current authors examined whether mite and cat allergen and bacterial endotoxin levels in dust of the mothers' mattresses were associated with cord blood immunoglobulin (Ig)E (CB-IgE) levels in newborns. Data from 1,332 term and normal weight neonates, from an ongoing birth cohort study, influences of life-style related factors on the immune system and the development of allergies in childhood (LISA), with complete information on exposure to biocontaminants in mattress dust and CB-IgE were analysed. Two thirds of CB-IgE were undetectable (<0.35 kU x L(-1)). Thus, 0.35 and 0.45 kU x L(-1) (4th quartile) were chosen as cut-offs. Nonparametric smoothing (generalised additive models) showed statistically significant confounder-adjusted associations between elevated CB-IgE levels (> or = 0.45 kU x L(-1)) and log-transformed exposures to cat (linear), mite (inverse u-shaped), and endotoxin (u-shaped). After adjustment for covariables, elevated CB-IgE levels (logistic regression using the 1st-4th quartiles of exposure) were positively associated with high cat-allergen exposure and medium exposure to mite allergen, but were inversely associated with exposure to endotoxin. The associations were similar, but somewhat weaker, when 0.35 kU x L(-1) was used as cut-off. These results, showing an association between prenatal allergen and endotoxin exposures and immunoglobulin E production, suggest that the development of foetal immune responses may be affected.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

Predictors of cat allergen (Fel d 1) in house dust of German homes with/without cats.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cat allergen is a major risk factor for sensitization and the development of asthma in many parts of the world. The study was designed to examine the levels of cat allergen (Fel d 1) in homes of two German cities and to detennine predictors of Fel d 1 exposure. METHODS: We collected dust samples from 405 randomly selected homes in Hamburg (n = 201) and Erfurt (n = 204). In each apartment dust samples were taken from living room floor (LR), bedroom floor (BR), and mattress surface (MA) using vacuum sampling and analyzed by two-site monoclonal antibody ELISA. Environmental variables were assessed by questionnaire to obtain information on factors supposed to have an impact on the Fel d 1 levels in house dust. The effects of possible predictors of Fel d 1 were assessed by multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Fel d 1 was present in 98% of the homes (395/405), ranging from 0.015 to 7.278 microg/g dust (GM 0.486 microg/g). The levels were similar in floors (GM for LR 0.575 microg/g and BR 0.469 microg/g) and in MA (GM 0.424 microg/g). Higher allergen concentrations (> 2 microg/g) were detected in 99% of the homes keeping cats, in 55% of homes that had had a cat during the last year, and in 28% of the homes without a cat. Fel d 1 levels were significantly higher in homes with a cat (628-682-fold, MA, floor) and in homes in which a cat had previously lived (11-12-fold, floor, MA) than in homes that never had a cat. Furthermore, after controlling for possible other confounders, Fel d 1 levels were significantly higher in summer and in homes with low frequency of cleaning and low ventilation rate. CONCLUSION: It could be confirmed that keeping a cat has the highest impact on Fel d 1 concentration. Besides, a continuous influx of Fel d 1 in homes without cat, as a result of direct or indirect cat contact outside the home, is likely. High frequencies of dusting and ventilation might reduce cat allergens in homes with and without cats.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

PM25 measurements in ambient aerosol: comparison between Harvard impactor (HI) and the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) system.

A comparison, based on the regression of 32 daily mean PM25 aerosol loadings determined by a tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) and by a Harvard impactor (HI), is reported for the ambient aerosol of Erfurt (Germany). The PM2.5 concentrations measured by the TEOM were systematically lower then those obtained by the HI. The ratio of the means TEOM/HI was 0.74 and the regression equation is TEOM = 0.69 x HI + 0.071. This result is consistent with reports elsewhere suggesting that semi-volatile aerosol material is lost from the heated sample filter on the TEOM. To verify this assertion, a heating system was developed for the HI which was able to keep the HI sample filter at 50+/-1 degrees C. After the implementation of this heating system, no systematically differences were observed between the TEOM and the heated HI system. The ratio of means was 1.06 and the regression equation TEOM = 1.10 x HI - 0.668. Because the measured levels of ammonium nitrate were very low in Erfurt, we concluded that other compounds like semi-volatile organics were responsible for the loss of particulate material at 50 degrees C.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2001

Early antibiotic treatment and later asthma.

The reasons for the asthma epidemic are poorly understood. As the asthma prevalence follows the geographical and temporal trend of antibiotic use into clinical medicine, we examined a possible association in a population-based study of 2,512 children age 5-14 in East Germany. Wheezing was associated with increasing number of antibiotic courses (never versus one time odds ratio 1.9, P = 0.012, 2 to 5 times odds ratio 3.0, P<0.001 and more than 5 times, odds ratio 6.9, P<0.001) which was also seen for asthma diagnosis. The risk increased with earlier administration (never versus second year odds ratio 4.6, month 7-12 odds ratio 5.4 and birth until month 6 odds ratio 7.9, all P<0.001). Also non pulmonary treatment indication was associated with later wheezing (odds ratio 3.9, P<0.001). The most likely possible explanation is reverse causation indicating that frequent upper respiratory infections, an early symptom of asthma, are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy could also be a proxy of another closely associated genetic or environmental factor. The high dose effect, the time dependency of the administration and the effect by non-pulmonary indications raises the possibility that early antibiotic treatment could itself be related to later asthma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Indoor and outdoor BTX levels in German cities.

On the basis of the ongoing study INGA (INdoor exposure and Genetics in Asthma), Germany's most detailed and standardized epidemiological study on indoor exposure to both allergens in house dust and volatile compounds in the air of the home environment has been performed. The purpose of this paper is to describe the spatial and seasonal variability of indoor and outdoor BTX (Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, ortho-xylene, meta- and para-xylene) concentrations for the study period from June 1995 to November 1996. Within this framework, air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (BTX) were measured in 204 households in Erfurt (Eastern Germany) and 201 households in Hamburg (Western Germany). BTX sampling was conducted over one week using OVM 3500 passive diffusion sampling devices in the indoor (living room and bedroom) and outdoor environment (outside the window of the living room). Indoor and outdoor median BTX concentrations in Erfurt were slightly, but significantly higher than those in Hamburg. This gap was most pronounced in the levels of indoor toluene (37.3 microg/m3 for Erfurt and 20.5 microg/m3 for Hamburg, P < 0.0001). In both cities, winter indoor and outdoor concentrations for the five compounds exceeded the summer values. Outdoor concentrations of ethyl benzene and ortho-xylene were very low (50% < L.D.). In general, the indoor BTX air concentrations were significantly higher than the outdoor concentra- tions, the lowest I/O ratios were found in the case of benzene. Living room and bedroom values for the five compounds were highly correlated (Spearman coefficient 0.5-0.9). Despite the better insulation of the homes in West Germany, no indication for the expected higher indoor concentrations of BTX in the West could be found. The strong and yet undiscovered indoor source for toluene in East Germany might lead to a further increase in the indoor air load in those homes in the East, which undergo renovations which will lead to improved insulation.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2001

The distribution in specific IgE and the prevalence of allergic symptoms in 25-64-years old inhabitants of an eastern and a western German city--results from Augsburg and Erfurt.

BACKGROUND: In an earlier study it has been found that allergic symptoms and sensitization in adults were more frequent in Hamburg (northern part of West Germany) compared to Erfurt (East Germany). The purpose of this study was to replicate these findings using data from Augsburg, a city from the southern part of West Germany. Furthermore the study population in this analysis was extended to higher age groups. METHODS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms, assessed by a self-administered questionnaire, was compared in a random sample of adults, 25-64 years of age, living in Augsburg (n = 1572) and Erfurt (n = 1648). From a subset (n = 754, resp. 1144) specific IgE to common aeroallergens were measured and atopic sensitization was defined as the presence of at least one positive specific IgE (CAP > 0). RESULTS: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis, wheezing, asthma and atopic sensitization was higher in Augsburg than in Erfurt (OR: 2.0; 1.3; 2.1; 1.7; all p < 0.01). For these differences no specific explanation could be found, i.e. the percentage of sensitized persons was equally increased in Augsburg for asthmatics, patients with hay fever or asymptomatic subjects. Furthermore, sensitization was equally increased for all common allergens. The differences were largest for the youngest age group, but also existed for higher ages. CONCLUSIONS: The increased prevalence of allergies observed in Hamburg, a northern city of West Germany, is also found in Augsburg, a southern city of West Germany, both compared to Erfurt in East Germany. This supports the finding that unspecific causes related to western lifestyle play an important role. Further research is needed to identify the causal influences.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Predictors of group 5 grass-pollen allergens in settled house dust: comparison between pollination and nonpollination seasons.

BACKGROUND: Some sensitive pollen-allergic patients may experience perennial symptoms, and for these patients it is vitally important to know the concentration of grass-pollen allergens in their homes. The main objective of this study was to detect predictors associated with high grass allergen concentration in settled house dust during and outside the grass pollination season. METHODS: We detected group 5 grass-pollen allergens in dust samples from randomly selected homes of three counties in the region of Sachsen-Anhalt: Hettstedt (n=183), Zerbst (n=152), and Bitterfeld (n=119). Dust samples were collected from the floors of living rooms (LR) and children's rooms (CR) from April 1996 to March 1998. RESULTS: Phl p 5 was detected in settled house dust in 91% of the homes. The range was between undetectable (<30 ng/m2) and 4300 ng Phl p 5/m2 sampling area during grass pollination, and 1300 ng Phl p 5/m2 outside the pollination season, respectively. We observed a partially higher concentration of indoor allergenic activity several weeks after the grass-pollen peak. A positive association was found between Phl p 5 levels and total dust amounts throughout the year. Thus, we assume that grass allergens accumulate in settled house dust. During pollination, the Phl p 5 levels are 1.8 times higher in homes where vacuuming of carpets takes place only once a week or less than in those vacuumed daily. Furthermore, higher concentrations of Phl p 5 in settled floor dust can be expected in homes located within suburban areas (mean ratio [MR] 1.74) and prefabricated slab buildings (MR=1.54). CONCLUSIONS: Quite high levels of Phl p 5 accumulate in settled house dust even during periods when no grass pollen is present in the atmosphere. The removal of dust by frequent cleaning reduces the indoor exposure to grass allergens. Such information is essential to train patients in allergen avoidance.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2001

Epidemiology of food allergy/food intolerance in adults: associations with other manifestations of atopy.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy and food intolerance (FA/FI) are believed to be frequent medical problems; however, information from epidemiologic studies in adults is scarce. The objective was to determine the frequency of FA/FI and allergic sensitization to food in a large adult sample. Furthermore, the associations between FA/FI and other outcomes of atopy were studied. METHODS: Within a population-based, nested, case-control study, a standardized interview was performed to obtain detailed information on FA/FI and the history of atopic diseases. In addition, a skin prick test with 10 common food and nine aeroallergens was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 20.8% of the 1537 studied subjects (50.4% female, age median 50 years) reported FA/FI (women 27.5%, men 14.0%; OR 2.35, CI 1.80-3.08). Nuts, fruits, and milk most frequently led to adverse effects, and the sites of manifestation were oral (42.9%), skin (28.7%), gastrointestinal (13.0%), systemic (3.2%), and multiple (12.2%). One-quarter of the subjects (25.1%) were sensitized to at least one food allergen in the prick test, with hazelnut (17.8%), celery (14.6%), and peanut (11.1%) accounting for most of the positive reactions. The corresponding frequency estimates for the representative study base (n=4178) were 15.5% for reported adverse reactions and 16.8% for allergic sensitization. Relevant concomitant sensitization to food and aeroallergens was observed. Food-allergic subjects (positive history and sensitization to corresponding allergen) suffered significantly more often from urticaria, asthma, atopic eczema, and especially hay fever (73.1%) than controls (3.0%). Furthermore, hay fever was treated significantly more often in subjects who suffered from concomitant food allergy. CONCLUSIONS: FA/FI in adults is frequently reported and associated with other manifestations of atopy. Hay fever in conjunction with FA/FI tends to be clinically more severe since therapeutic needs are enhanced.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

School education and allergic sensitization in adults.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence of an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and atopy mainly from studies in children which investigated atopic diseases and parental SES. We determined the association of allergic sensitization, as measured by skin prick test (SPT) and allergen-specific IgE (RAST), and SES in a population-based study in adults. METHODS: Within a population-based, nested, case-control study, a standardized interview was performed and allergic sensitization to common aeroallergens was determined by SPT and RAST. RESULTS: A total of 1537 adults (50.4% female, age: median 50.0, range 28-78 years) were investigated, half of whom (50.2%) exhibited at least one positive RAST result according to the study design. SPT reactivity was 37.3% in this group and was estimated to be 26.1% in the representative study base of 4178 adults. Within increasing categories of school graduation (none; after 8, 10, 13, and >13 years), the prevalence of SPT (20.5%, 31.3%, 44.0%, 44.2%, 48.1%; P trend <0.0001) and RAST reactivity (35.0%, 48.0%, 52.3%, 48.4%, 58.4%; P trend=0.004) increased continuously. Similar results were obtained when testing this association on the level of single allergens. After control for age, sex, and parental history of atopic diseases, all but the first odds ratios for SPT remained significant (first category=reference, 2.06, 3.21, 3.88, 3.96). The same model for RAST reactivity revealed a similar result with effect estimate for the last category being significant (first category=reference, 1.89, 2.08, 2.10, 2.81). CONCLUSIONS: Allergic sensitization (SPT and RAST) to common aeroallergens in adults follows a significant and linear association with school education.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pets and vermin are associated with high endotoxin levels in house dust.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the risk for allergic sensitization is lower in children who grew up on farms and in young adults who were exposed to dogs in early childhood. A higher microbial exposure in general and in particular to endotoxin in early childhood might contribute to this lower risk of atopy. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether the presence of pets or vermin in the home is associated with higher endotoxin concentrations in settled house dust. METHODS: House dust was sampled in a standardized manner on the living room floors of 454 homes of German children aged 5-10 years (participation rate 61%). Endotoxin was assessed with a quantitative kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) method. Associations between endotoxin levels, pets and vermin are presented as ratios of the crude and confounder adjusted geometric means (means ratios) in the category of study vs. a reference category using multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Endotoxin concentrations in living room floor dust sampled in homes without pets and vermin were lower (1246 ng per square meter, 1519 ng endotoxin/g dust, n = 157) than those sampled in homes with pets or vermin (2267 ng per square meter, 2200 ng endotoxin/g dust, n = 296). After adjustment for city of residence, season of dust sampling, age of the building and story of the dwelling, means ratios for endotoxin expressed per gram of dust were statistically significantly increased for dog (1.64, 95% CI 1.09-2.46), for cat (1.50, 95% CI 1.03-2.18) and for cockroach (3.01, 95% CI 1.37-6.60), whereas no major statistically significant associations were found for other pets, ants and mice. CONCLUSION: Keeping a dog or a cat in the home is consistent with higher exposure to endotoxin and might therefore contribute to the lower risk of atopy in later life.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2001

Farming, rural lifestyle and atopy in adults from southern Germany--results from the MONICA/KORA study Augsburg.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The increasing urbanization and the decrease in the numbers of farms in southern Germany might be associated with an increasing prevalence of allergic diseases. We compared the prevalence of allergic diseases in farmers, and rural, suburban and urban residents in the small geographical area of Augsburg in southern Germany. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey adults, aged 25-75 years selected from the community population register were investigated. Rural, suburban and urban residents were defined by community size and farmers by occupation. Allergic respiratory disorders were assessed by self-administered questionnaires and specific IgE antibodies to five common aeroallergens. RESULTS: In comparison to rural residents the urban population had an increased risk of allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-1.9), atopic sensitization (OR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0-1.4) and sensitization against pollen (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-1.9). There was no difference in the risk of asthma (OR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.6-1.6) and a decreased risk in the sensitization against house dust mite (OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7-1.0). The suburban residents did not differ from urban residents. Farmers had lower risks in allergic rhinitis, atopic sensitization, sensitization against pollen and mites (OR = 0.63; 0.86; 0.51 and 0.80, respectively) than rural non-farming residents, however, these differences were statistically not significant. Reported allergic rhinitis with sensitization to pollen was 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.8-3.6) more prevalent in urban than in rural residents. CONCLUSION: A farming environment and rural lifestyle might be associated with unknown protective factors impacting the prevalence of allergies.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Exposure to endotoxin decreases the risk of atopic eczema in infancy: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a protective effect of early exposure to cats and dogs on the development of atopic eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic sensitization in later life. In particular, a higher microbial exposure to endotoxin in early childhood might contribute to this effect. OBJECTIVE: We examined the associations between bacterial endotoxin in house dust and atopic eczema, infections, and wheezing during the first year of life in an ongoing birth cohort study (LISA). METHODS: Data of 1884 term and normal-weight neonates with complete information on exposure to biocontaminants and confounding variables were analyzed. House dust from the mothers' and the children's mattresses was sampled 3 months after birth. Endotoxin content was quantified by using a chromogenic kinetic limulus amoebocyte lysate test. RESULTS: During the first 6 months of life, the risk of atopic eczema was significantly decreased by endotoxin exposure in dust from mothers' mattresses in the fifth quintile (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28-0.88), whereas the risk was increased for respiratory infections (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25-2.28) and cough with respiratory infection, bronchitis, or both (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.28-2.33). The risk of wheezing was also significantly increased during the first 6 months of life (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.40-4.03). For the entire first year of life, these associations attenuated, except for the risk of wheezing, which remained significant (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.10-2.30). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the hygiene hypothesis that exposure to high concentrations of endotoxin very early in life might protect against the development of atopic eczema within the first 6 months of life, along with an increased prevalence of nonspecific respiratory diseases.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2001

An intervention trial to inhibit the progression of precancerous gastric lesions: compliance, serum micronutrients and S-allyl cysteine levels, and toxicity.

Gastric cancer is the second most frequent cause of death from cancer in the world and the leading cause of death from cancer in China. In September 1995, we launched a randomized multi-intervention trial to inhibit the progression of precancerous gastric lesions in Linqu County, Shandong Province, an area of China with one of the world's highest rates of gastric cancer. Treatment compliance was measured by pill counts and quarterly serum concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E and S-allyl cysteine. In 1999, toxicity information was collected from each trial participant to evaluate treatment-related side-effects during the trial. Compliance rates were 93% and 92.9% for 39 months of treatment with the vitamins/mineral and garlic preparation, respectively. The means for serum concentrations of vitamins C and E were 7.2 microg/ml and 1695 microg/dl among subjects in the active treatment groups compared with 3.1 microg/ml and 752 microg/dl among subjects in the placebo treatment group, respectively. No significant differences in side-effects were observed between the placebo treatment group and the vitamins/mineral and garlic preparation treatment groups during the 39-month trial period.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Plasma fibrinogen in relation to the severity of arteriosclerosis in patients with stable angina pectoris after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Authors both of retrospective and of prospective studies have demonstrated that there is a relationship between concentration of fibrinogen in plasma and the angiographically determined severity of coronary heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVE: To determine the relevance of the plasma fibrinogen concentration for the severity of CHD, particularly in cases with additional arteriosclerotic changes in the extracranial arteries supplying the brain [cerebrovascular disease (CVD)], in the pelvic/leg arteries [peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD)], or in both. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional survey the cardiological and angiographical status of a total of 1112 male and 299 female patients with stable angina pectoris after sustained myocardial infarction and an age-matched control group of 326 male and 138 female subjects with no clinical symptoms of CHD was determined, together with measurements of plasma fibrinogen, dynamic plasma viscosity and D-dimers. RESULTS: More than two-thirds of the patients with arteriosclerosis had plasma fibrinogen concentrations in the uppermost tertile of the control range (men > 2.75; women > 2.83 g/l). Plasma fibrinogen concentration was correlated to the severity of CHD (for men r = 0.173, P < 0.001; for women r= 0.144, P < 0.013). Patients with generalized arteriosclerosis had higher plasma fibrinogen concentrations than did those suffering from CHD only (for men, control 2.65 +/- 0.51, CHD 3.07 +/- 0.73, CHD plus POAD 3.17 +/- 0.77 and CHD plus POAD plus CVD 3.45 +/- 0.78 g/l; for women, control 2.69 +/- 0.44, CHD 3.25 +/- 0.67, CHD plus POAD 3.19 +/- 0.77, CHD plus POAD plus CVD 3.60 +/- 0.84 g/l). Multivariate analysis showed that C-reactive protein, D-dimers and dynamic plasma viscosity accounted for 48.2% (for men) and 49.4% (for women) of the variance in plasma fibrinogen concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that there is not only a correlation between plasma fibrinogen concentration and the severity of CHD, but also a correlation to the incidence of additional POAD or CVD.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Margarine consumption and allergy in children.

Dietary fat consumption is hypothesized to influence atopy development by modulation of IgE production. The aim of our study was to assess whether margarine consumption is associated with allergic sensitization and diseases in children. Data of a cross-sectional health survey in 1998-1999 comprising 2,348 children age 5 to 14 yr were analyzed. Information on type of fat used as spread during the past 12 mo, children's health, and sociodemographic factors were gathered by questionnaire. Allergic sensitization to common aeroallergens was assessed by specific serum IgE. Compared with butter consumption, margarine consumption was associated with allergic sensitization (adjusted odds ratio 1.30 [95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.67]) and with rhinitis symptoms during the past 12 mo (1.41 [1.01 to 1.97]). Sex-stratified analysis showed that these associations were limited to boys (boys: sensitization 1.57 [1.12 to 2.20], rhinitis symptoms 1.76 [1.12 to 2.78]; girls: sensitization 0.99 [0.67 to 1.46], rhinitis symptoms 1.03 [0.63 to 1.70]). No statistically significant relation was observed between exclusive margarine consumption and ever physician-diagnosed hay fever or asthma in all children. In conclusion, the sex difference in the association of margarine consumption with allergic sensitization was in accordance with the higher IgE concentrations and atopy prevalence in boys compared with girls. Increased intake of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids might further stimulate IgE production in boys.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Increasing prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in three selected areas in East Germany. Bitterfeld Study Group.

The prevalence of asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and allergic rhinitis in children was lower in East Germany compared to West Germany. The reasons for this difference are still not understood. This study tested the hypothesis that prevalence of BHR increased in East German children after reunification. Two consecutive cross-sectional surveys of schoolchildren aged 8-14 yrs from three communities in East Germany were carried out in 1992-1993 and 1995-1996. A subsample of 530 and 790 children with complete lung function and cold air challenge data was analysed. The prevalence of BHR increased from 6.4%, in 1992-1993 to 11.6% in 1995-1996 (odds ratio (OR): 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-3.0, adjusted for age, sex, season, community and parental education). No changes were found for asthma, allergic rhinitis or allergic sensitization. In contrast, physician diagnosed bronchitis, pneumonia and frequent colds decreased significantly. The observed increase in the prevalence of BHR was reduced (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.95-2.3) after adjustment for several indoor factors. In conclusion, while the prevalence of nonallergic respiratory diseases seems to decrease, the prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness might be a first indicator of the suspected increase of asthma prevalence in East Germany. The present results give indirect evidence, that less respiratory infections may be associated with higher bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Asthma↗